Giants Cup Hiking Trail

Giants Cup Hiking Trail - The most well known hiking trail in the Southern Drakensberg

The Giants Cup Hiking Trail is part of the Drakensberg Park National Hiking Way. The hike is along a well established and clearly marked trail that runs southwards from Sani Pass in the north to Bushmans Nek in the south, the full trail being approximately 60km in length. It falls within the Ukahlamba Drakensberg Wilderness Area (a World Heritage Site) and is administered by KZN Wildlife who provide 5 overnight huts along the route - at Pholela (Cobham valley), Mzimkhulwana, Winterhoek and Swimans (in the Drakensberg Gardens valley) and at Bushmans Nek.

Each hut along the Giants Cup Hiking Trail accommodates 30 persons with basic facilities - bunk bed and mattresses, benches and tables, flush toilets and a supply of cold running water. They are normally used by organized group such as hiking club members who bring all their other requisites for the 5 day hike (eg sleeping bags, food, cooking equipment, lighting etc.).

Flora and Fauna of the Giants Cup Hiking Trail

Most of the Giants Cup hiking trail traverses treeless mountains and Themeda grasslands, with a few scattered protea species and patches of montane bush in the protected river valleys.

Although the Drakensberg has rich grassveld during the spring and summer months, the severe winters result in a dramatic decline in its food value and the area cannot support large populations of animals. Many species have adapted to these extreme conditions and are endemic to the area. None are plentiful but all are interesting. Antelope species that you may encounter include Eland, Reedbuck, Rhebuck and Oribi.

There are about 200 species of birds in the region, including the endangered Bearded Vulture, Jackal buzzard, Black and Martial eagles and Secretary birds. Smaller birds such as sugarbirds, sunbirds and flycatchers are endemic to the area. Others are summer migrants to the region such as the blue and wattled cranes while several species including the fairy flycatcher migrate down the Drakensberg from Lesotho during winter.

Accommodation in and around Sani Pass